In a recent interview on the Girls In Low Places podcast, posted by Country Chord, country star Randy Houser discussed the often-times hard field up-and-coming artists have to play in, and how a younger artist's individuality can be at risk.

"If something works, then the record label wants to start printing those cookies" Houser explained how recording companies often take what works and run with it - and how up-and-comers can often be at a disadvantage as they seek to find a sound that works. "There will be about twelve more Ella Langley's come along now, that's just what they do," he said.

As he explained the other side of this coin, however, the 'We Went' crooner carefully dissected how an artist's individuality is also at risk when they realize a popular sound that works for major artists can also work for them - especially when that artist is on a hungry climb for success.

"Starving artists are like 'well, that works, let me try that' then the label is like 'that's what we want right there,'" said Houser, as he highlighted the equal exchange between both rising artists and their recording companies.

Houser's argument against up-and-comers copying one popular sound is relevant for many reasons. When taking a broader look at today's country landscape, there is undoubtedly younger artists whose sounds are similar to the tunes of megastars such as Zach Bryan or Morgan Wallen - and now, with Ella Langley trailblazing her way to megastar status herself, her distinct sound that put her on the map may be one that we continue to hear from new voices for an entire era of country music.

While we'll never get tired of hearing a sound similar to Langley, Bryan, or Wallen, Houser does hold a strong point as to what makes an artist rise to the top - and how authenticity will forever be the driving force between the art and the artist.